wild four-o'clock
(Mirabilis nyctaginea (Michx.) MacM.)

Overview

Appearance

Mirabilis nyctaginea is a perennial plant that can grow to be 2-4 ft. (0.61-1.2 m) tall, branching occasionally.

Foliage

Leaves are dark green, opposite, cordate, hairless, 4 in. (10.2 cm) long and 3 in. (7.6 cm) across. The upper leaves may be smaller and lanceolate.

Flowers

Flowers are magenta, trumpet shaped, 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) across, and are found in clusters of 3-5. They bloom in early summer and usually only open in the afternoon and at night, closing in the morning.

Fruit

Seeds are greyish brown to reddish brown in color, narrowly obovate, round to club-shaped, smooth, 0.4 in. (1 cm) in length, and have 5 ribs.

Ecological Threat

Mirabilis nyctaginea prefers disturbed areas like pastures, roadsides, and abandoned fields. It is thought to be native to all U.S. states except Alaska, Hawaii, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Oregon, and Arizona.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• New Invaders of the Northwest
• Pacific Northwest Exotic Pest Plant Council, 1998
• Washington Noxious Weeds
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States

References